A top Senate Republican predicted the GOP's fight against the EPA's "war on coal" won't lead to a government shutdown.

Republican Conference Chairman John Thune of South Dakota predicted Thursday that a proposal from Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to effectively halt the EPA's regulation of carbon emissions from existing power plants won't go away.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is planning an amendment to an upcoming spending bill that could put the brakes on the EPA's plans to implement new regulations on carbon emissions from existing power plants.

While it is unusual for the Kentucky Republican to appear at an Appropriations Committee gathering in person, he has maintained his seat and influence on the panel.